Compelling conference photos help sell future events
Taking good pictures at conferences can be a great way to capture important moments, share them with others, and promote your event. Here are some tips for taking better pictures at conferences. The same advice applies to trade shows or any large scale congress or convention.
- Use a good camera: If possible, use a camera with manual controls and a high-quality lens. This will give you more control over the exposure, focus, and depth of field, resulting in better pictures.
- Know your settings: Before the conference, take some time to learn about your camera settings and how to adjust them. This will help you quickly adapt to different lighting conditions and capture the best shots.
- Be mindful of lighting: Conferences can have a mix of lighting conditions, from bright natural light to dim indoor lighting. Try to position yourself in a way that takes advantage of natural light sources or find the right balance between ambient and flash lighting.
- Take candid shots: Some of the most interesting conference photos capture candid moments of speakers and attendees. Be on the lookout for these moments, and try to capture them as they happen.
- Get close: Don’t be afraid to get close to your subject, especially if you’re using a camera with a zoom lens. This will help you capture more detail and create more dynamic photos.
Curate your images on the go
- Shoot selectively, don’t overshoot: I regularly cover large events in the company of other photographers and I am often surprised at how many photos some photographers take. Overshooting creates two problems best overcome by being attentive to what you are covering. The first problem is you wind up with just an inordinate amount of photos that are no good and are just a waste (time, effort, and wear and tear on gear); the second problem is that you actually pay less attention to what you are covering if you are constantly shooting. Better to stop, look and listen and then take the shot than mindlessly spray the room with endless clicks.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Conferences can be crowded and hectic, so be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid obstructing other attendees. Move around discreetly and quietly, and be respectful of others’ space.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice taking pictures at conferences, the better you’ll get. Take every opportunity to shoot, and experiment with different techniques and settings to find what works best for you.
Don’t be afraid to try creative compositions and angles
- Pay attention to composition: Make sure to pay attention to the composition of your shots, including the position of your subjects, the background, and the foreground. Use the rule of thirds to help you frame your shots and create more interesting compositions.
- Use different angles and perspectives: Even if your presenters are not presenting in the round, experiment with different angles and perspectives to create more interesting and dynamic shots. This can include shooting from above or below, using different lenses or zoom levels, or getting close to your subjects to capture more detail.
- Capture the atmosphere: Don’t just focus on the speakers or presenters at the conference. Make sure to capture the atmosphere and energy of the event, including the audience, the venue, and any other interesting details. People don’t just want to see what it looked like – they want to FEEL what it felt like being there.
Finally, make sure to edit your photos to enhance their quality and appeal. This can include adjusting the brightness and contrast, cropping and straightening, and adding filters or other effects. By following these tips you (or your conference photographer) will take better pictures at conferences and capture the moments that matter most, leading to future sold out events.
